Health
Diabetes in Dogs and Cats: Signs, Treatment, and Real Hope
The classic signs
Dramatic thirst and urination, ravenous appetite with weight loss, and in dogs, sudden cataracts. In cats, walking flat on the hocks (rear ankles) is a telltale nerve sign. Any of these deserves a vet visit and simple blood and urine tests.
Treatment is very doable
Most diabetic pets do well on twice-daily insulin injections with tiny needles most pets barely notice, plus diet changes — high-protein/low-carb for cats, consistent scheduled meals for dogs. There are also newer once-daily oral options for some diabetic cats; ask your vet.
Cats can go into remission
With early treatment, weight loss and a low-carb diet, a meaningful share of diabetic cats achieve remission and come off insulin entirely. Obesity is the biggest reversible risk factor — prevention starts at the food bowl.
The emergency to know
A diabetic pet that stops eating, vomits, or becomes weak and wobbly may be developing ketoacidosis or low blood sugar — both are same-day emergencies. Keep honey or syrup on hand for insulin overdoses, and your vet's number saved.
If the day is coming
Ease The Paw coordinates in-home pet euthanasia across South Africa — we find and book the vet, arrange the cremation and handle the keepsakes, so you can simply be present. A flat R950 covers the coordination and your keepsake memorial; the vet and cremation are billed separately at their own rates.
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